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Balancing Act by Paula Chase

Book

Balancing Act

Balancing Act

Paula Chase

St. Martin's Press · Print & ebook · October 21, 2025

Reading lane: Boarding School YA

A Sweet Valley High for a new generation, a dishy, dazzling YA drama set against the backdrop of an elite charter school where stars are made—or fade.

At a Glance

Why This Clicks

Why It Clicks

A tight, character-first read with enough edge for staging and a steady pull for immersion.

Come here for

  • boarding-school dynamics
  • friendship under pressure

Expect

  • teen relationships with real friction
  • mental-health threads in the mix

Book Details

Authors
Paula Chase
Publisher
St. Martin's Press
Published
October 21, 2025
Format
Print & ebook
Theme
Boarding School YA · Friendship for Teens
Reading lane
Boarding School YA

Affinity

Publisher Categories

  • YA Stories About Girls & Women

  • Boarding School YA

About This Book

A Sweet Valley High for a new generation, a dishy, dazzling YA drama set against the backdrop of an elite charter school where stars are made—or fade. When Chyna gets a scholarship to the newest, most prestigious sports school in the city, it’s the best opportunity to do the gymnastics she loves. But between caring for her ailing mother and dealing with the elitist girls on her gymnastics team, she’s not sure she belongs. Meanwhile, Jamaal is reeling from the death of his br...

Read full description

A Sweet Valley High for a new generation, a dishy, dazzling YA drama set against the backdrop of an elite charter school where stars are made—or fade. When Chyna gets a scholarship to the newest, most prestigious sports school in the city, it’s the best opportunity to do the gymnastics she loves. But between caring for her ailing mother and dealing with the elitist girls on her gymnastics team, she’s not sure she belongs. Meanwhile, Jamaal is reeling from the death of his brother—who was also secretly Chyna’s boyfriend. Becoming star of the Power Panthers basketball team is his way to honor his brother’s memory and nothings going to stand in his way. Not even his health. Filled with gossip, high-stakes sports drama, and tons of heart, BALANCING ACT is the first in a riveting new series about teens fighting for their dreams in a city where picking a side is no game.

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